Hidden Dangers

Dog waste isn’t just a smelly nuisance or an inconvenient landmine in your yard—it’s a legitimate health hazard for your family, your pets, and the environment. At WhoGivesAShit.dog, we take this seriously (despite our humorous name), and we want to share why regular waste removal is about much more than just keeping your shoes clean.

Health Risks to Humans

The average dog produces about 274 pounds of waste per year. That’s a lot of poop! And it’s not just gross—it’s potentially dangerous. Here’s why:

Parasites and Their Eggs

Dog feces can contain several types of parasites and their eggs, including:

• Roundworms: These can cause fever, coughing, asthma, and in severe cases, blindness or seizures in humans. Children are particularly vulnerable.
• Hookworms: These can cause cutaneous larva migrans, a skin condition where the larvae burrow under the skin causing intense itching.
• Tapeworms: While rare in humans, they can cause digestive problems and nutrient deficiencies.
• Giardia: This microscopic parasite causes giardiasis, which leads to diarrhea, gas, abdominal cramps, nausea, and dehydration.

These parasites can survive in soil for years, long after the waste itself has decomposed. Children playing in the yard are especially at risk because they often put their hands in their mouths without washing them first.

Bacterial Infections

Dog waste contains numerous bacteria that can cause serious illness in humans:

• E. coli: Causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Salmonella: Results in fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
• Campylobacter: Leads to diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and abdominal pain.

A single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria. That’s a lot of potential for illness!

Risks to Other Dogs

Your dog can also get sick from other dogs’ waste. Canine parvovirus, coronavirus, and canine distemper can all be transmitted through feces. Even if your dog is vaccinated, they can still be carriers and potentially spread these diseases to unvaccinated dogs.

Additionally, dogs often practice coprophagia (eating feces), which can directly transmit parasites and bacteria between animals.

Environmental Impact

The environmental consequences of dog waste extend beyond your yard:

Water Pollution

When it rains, dog waste left on the ground can wash into storm drains, which often lead directly to local waterways without treatment. The EPA estimates that two or three days’ worth of waste from just 100 dogs can contribute enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay and all watershed areas within 20 miles to swimming and shell fishing.

The nitrogen and phosphorus in dog waste also contribute to algae blooms that deplete oxygen in water, killing fish and other aquatic life.

Lawn Damage

Contrary to popular belief, dog waste is not a good fertilizer. It’s actually too acidic and will burn your grass, creating those yellow spots you see in yards with dogs. The high nitrogen content breaks down the soil quality over time.

The Nose Knows: Odor Issues

Beyond health concerns, let’s address the obvious: dog waste stinks. The odor comes from methane gas, which is not only unpleasant but also a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. A yard with accumulated waste becomes increasingly uninviting for both family activities and entertaining guests.

How Often Should You Clean Up?

Ideally, waste should be picked up immediately after your dog does their business. However, we understand that’s not always practical with busy schedules. At minimum:

• Small yards with 1-2 dogs: Weekly cleanup
• Larger yards with multiple dogs: Twice weekly cleanup
• Areas where children play: Daily cleanup

During hot summer months, more frequent cleanup is recommended as heat accelerates bacterial growth and odor development.

Professional Solutions

At WhoGivesAShit.dog, we offer regular waste removal services that fit your specific needs. Our professional technicians are trained to thoroughly inspect your entire yard, removing all waste and applying environmentally safe deodorizers when needed.

Our weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly service plans ensure your yard stays clean and safe for your family and pets. We also offer one-time cleanup services for special occasions or when you need a fresh start.

DIY Tips for Safe Waste Removal

If you’re handling waste removal yourself, follow these safety tips:

1. Always use gloves or a waste scooper that keeps your hands away from the waste.
2. Use biodegradable bags specifically designed for dog waste.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly after cleanup, even if you used gloves.
4. Don’t compost dog waste in gardens used for growing food.
5. Consider a dedicated waste bin with a secure lid to prevent odors and flies.

Conclusion

Dog waste management isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about protecting your family’s health, your pet’s wellbeing, and the environment. Regular cleanup is an essential part of responsible pet ownership.

If you find yourself struggling to keep up with waste removal, remember that professional services like ours exist to make your life easier and your yard safer. After all, we give a shit so you don’t have to!